Taking no chances that the monthly Critical Mass bicycle protest would occur without having obtained a permit, last Friday evening police greeted the 500 riders who gathered at Union Sq. with a warning they would be arrested for riding in a procession. Making that point clear, police with large orange R.N.C.-style nets blocked the sides of the squares north plaza, the rest of which is blocked by metal gates.

Some riders agreed to meet up at 8 p.m. at Washington Sq. According to Matthew Roth, a spokesperson for Times Up!, some cyclists were arrested while walking their bikes away from Union Sq.

About 70 to 100 people congregated at Washington Sq. and started riding around the park, building the mass. However, police soon arrived and arrested a bunch of them in front of Bobst Library. In all, there were 17 arrests.

On Dec. 8 there will be a hearing, with witnesses testimony on the stand, in the ongoing federal case of whether the rides need a permit.